97. K.J. Wright, LB, Seahawks

Late in the 2014 season, the Seahawks handed Wright, who was 25 at the time, a four-year contract extension. The 2011 draft gem (round 4, pick No. 99) has only gotten better since then. There is without question a case to be made that Wright is just as integral to his team’s linebacking corps as is the oft-hyped Bobby Wagner. Wright played 97.4% of Seattle’s defensive snaps last year, per Football Outsiders, behind only Earl Thomas (98.3%) and Richard Sherman (98.0%). Wagner is a more explosive, athletic defender overall, but Wright is equally comfortable against the run and pass, and he is arguably a step ahead of Wagner defending the latter. The Seahawks have Wright under contract through 2018. That extension is already paying off.

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